Open Call: Metal Weaving
25 June 2025
The TextielLab is the beating heart of the TextielMuseum where craft, design and art meet. It’s a space of constant innovation, where artists and designers collaborate closely with our expert team to push the boundaries of (weaving) techniques. Driven by curiosity and ambition, we aim to explore new possibilities, advancing both our practice and the creative industry.
Building on the success of a multi-year R&D project on weaving with a metal warp, we’ve uncovered the potential of (jacquard) metal weaving on our computer controlled machine. In the coming years, we are dedicated to experimenting with and exploring further the artistic and technical boundaries of metal. During a focused work period in the third and fourth quarter of 2026, a group of selected participants will have the opportunity to experiment with metal weaving and explore innovative applications in close collaboration with our in-house experts and an interdisciplinary network. In this work period, our focus lies both in hands-on experimentation and in the development of prototypes with potential scalability.
To learn more about our first R&D metal weaving project, see article here and here.
Photo: Patty van den Elshout
About the Open Call
We are seeking experienced artists, designers, and architects with a passion for material experimentation to join us in pushing the limits of (jacquard) weaving with a metal warp. While prior expertise in weaving is not required, we highly value a curious, experimental mindset and a strong desire to explore materials and techniques in bold, innovative ways.
We are looking for project proposals that are ambitious, demonstrate creative potential, offer fresh perspectives on materiality and aesthetics, and have a clear and purposeful application. We welcome proposals from a wide range of creative disciplines, including spatial design, architecture, interior design, body-related art, and textile innovation. We seek an open and flexible mindset, capable of adapting to opportunities and challenges as they arise.
Honorarium
Honorarium in accordance with professional guidelines.
Work period
The work period will run from July to October 2026. The lead time is approximately five weeks, including around three weeks of work on the machine. Each selected participant is expected to spend a minimum of three weeks in Tilburg, the Netherlands, to actively contribute to the development process. However, there will also be opportunities for remote collaboration with the TextielLab team, depending on the specific needs of the project.
How to apply?
Applications must be submitted via the application form, which can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this newsletter.
The application form includes:
- Biography (max 200 words)
- Project proposal, including sketches (up to 3 pages)
- Portfolio of relevant work (max 10 pages)
- Motivation for working with metal at the TextielLab
Criteria
- Artists, designers, or architects with over five years of work experience.
- The degree of innovation presented in the proposal, considering both aesthetic qualities and (practical) applications.
- The potential to introduce new directions, insights, or applications within the field of metal weaving.
- Open to collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and bringing an open and flexible mindset, with the ability to adapt throughout the process and a willingness to change course when necessary.
- On-site availability in Tilburg for co-creation with the team is required.
- The depth and quality of content showcased in the submitted portfolio.
The submission deadline is 29th of August, 23:59 PM Central European Summer Time (CEST). Applicants will be informed about the selection process at the start of October.
Stay tuned
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